As speculated, the long-awaited sequel to Horizon: Zero Dawn will be missing it’s 2021 release window, despite Guerilla Games indicating that the game’s development was on track back in May, during the State of Play broadcast. Horizon Forbidden West will now launch in February 2022.
The reason for the delay is due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the game’s development. Mathijs de Jonge, Game Director at Guerilla Games, said the following:
It’s no surprise that our teams were hugely impacted by the global pandemic; we have been adjusting to new workflows, protocols, and other challenges, while keeping our teams safe and prioritizing a healthy work/life balance.
While the decision to move the game’s launch to 2022 certainly wasn’t easy, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of our fans for their unwavering support; we know how much you’ve been looking forward to reuniting with Aloy and her friends, continuing her story, and exploring a new and more dangerous world. Your passion, fan art, cosplay, virtual photography, and videos have meant the world to all of us.
Horizon Forbidden West will be releasing on the PS4 and PS5 on 18 February 2022, and pre-orders will be starting from 2nd September 2021.